I have a question. I am 8 months post op, down over 50 pounds and have about 6.5 cc's in a 10cc band. I was told when I started that I would need to have 90 grams of protein a day...but do I still need that much or does the need lower after you have healed and are on your way? How much protein does a 45 year old woman need a day?

Well "supposedly" I need 100 grams a day at 5ft 10, 154lb, and my activity levels. I dont get that ever, because I also consider fruit and vegies and wholegrains important and I dont fill up my stomach space with only Protein - and doctors in Australia by and large dont advise that you do, so I'm well within my guidelines. I probably average 60 grams. I like to get just enough of everything rather than an oversupply of one nutrient and undersupply of another, if that makes sense.

Its so confusing, because basically if you can only eat a small amount, you really are going to run short of things. But 60 or so grams must be enough for me becuase I have managed to lose all my weight without getting that stringy muscle wasted appearance, and in fact I've built muscle over time.

In fact, over time I've managed to achieve that athletic look that I always wanted, I dont just look thin, I look fit.

So who knows? My doc is not only a lapband doctor, but a sports medicine specialist - he's also one of Australia's Olympic team doctors and official club doctor for Hawthorn Football Club - so I trust what he says and he says 100 grams is overstating what I need.

He was hinting I think that people think they're athletes when in reality the exercising they're doing is what is necessary for good health and really doesnt require any nutrition above and beyond the ordinary.

Anyway, I feel fine on that level and my metabolism is like a furnace these days. But I"ll get caned anyway coz nobody here agrees with me, lol.

Not to worry Jachut!!! I TOTALLY agree with you and so does my doctor. I've never been told I had to eat a humongo amount of protein. I've only been told to eat it first, and then my veggies and fruit. He highly recommends that I stay away from white bread, white potatoes and white rice, but heartily encourages brown rice, sweet potatoes and whole grains. He likes a balanced diet. I have not had any problem with muscle loss. Matter of fact, he's quite impressed with my muscle tone. I don't obsess about it. I don't weigh my food, or count calories. I know what a portion looks like, and what foods are healthy. I live like a normal person who just happens to eat a LOT less.

100 gram...jeez!

I was told a minimum of 55 grams. So any over that is good but at least 55 grams. It is funny how much every surgeon differs isn't it?

Well, we've got a whole country full of non protein counting banded individuals here and by and large, its very successful in Australia. We're not all dropping like flies on a measly 55 grams a day, so I think its safe to say that whilst 100 grams wont hurt you, eating a bit less than that wont either. And who knows, if you make up the extra in fruit and veg, you may actually get quite a healthy, well rounded diet.